Events
“The Immersive Nutcracker” Magical Experience
Opens Nov. 26. The Beverly Center welcomes visitors to an all-new family-friendly walk-through holiday fairytale experience that combines the best in theatre, VR, and projection from the producers of the Russian Ballet Theatre. Opening on Friday and running through Dec. 31, “The Immersive Nutcracker” consists of four different themed rooms and feature iconic moments, characters and settings as seen in the ballets and stories from The Nutcracker powered by Tchaikovsky’s score. Tu-Sa 11 a.m.-8 p.m., Su 11 a.m.-6 p.m. $42 adults, $30 children. 8500 Beverly Blvd., L.A., 310.854.0070. beverlycenter.com | Tickets
Small Business Block Party
Nov. 27-28. Head over to ROW DTLA, a vibrant destination for independent retail, restaurants and lifestyle businesses, to celebrate Small Business Saturday with a weekend of live music, a beer garden, activations, sales and promotions, plus a Small Business Block Party in partnership with LA Original. The outdoor event will be packed with specials and giveaways (with proof of purchase from any ROW DTLA retailer), including free gift-wrapping, free ice cream sandwiches from Go Get ’Em Tiger for the first 100 guests, and the opportunity to enter a drawing for a $1,000 gift card. Noon-5 p.m. 777 S. Alameda St., L.A., 213.988.8890. rowdtla.com
Shul by the Shore Grand Chanukah Extravaganza
Nov. 28. Celebrate the Festival of Lights at 2ND & PCH during the Shul by the Shore’s grand extravaganza to commemorate the first night of Chanukah. Watch Rabbi Abba Perelmuter lead the lighting of the menorah at 4 p.m. on the grand staircase, which will remain onsite through Dec. 6 with electric candles illuminated each night during Chanukah. Additional highlights include a live three-piece band, a stilt walker, Chanukah crafts for children, light pre-packaged refreshments and chocolate gelt. 4-6 p.m. Free. East 2nd St. and Pacific Coast Hwy., Long Beach, 424.217.2337. 2ndandpch.com
Celebrate Thanksgiving
Dine-In or Takeout from STK
Nov. 25-28. Elevate your Thanksgiving meal with the famed steakhouse’s holiday specials all weekend long, available for dine-in or takeout. Offerings include roasted free-range turkey with cornbread-sage stuffing and shallot-and-thyme confit thighs; with sides such as sauteed green beans with crispy shallots, maple-baked sweet potatoes, Yukon Gold mashed potatoes with a Parmesan crust, classic gravy and cranberry-orange chutney; plus add-ons such as spiced pumpkin pie. Reservations recommended. $59 adults, $29 children 12 and under, $119 per takeout meal (serves two). 930 Hilgard Ave., L.A., 310.659.3535. stksteakhouse.com
Turkey Trot Los Angeles
Nov. 25. Lace up your running shoes for the ninth annual Turkey Trot! Run with friends and family on-site in a 5K and 10K run/walk courses or take part in the trot from home where you can complete your run anytime and receive your race goods in the mail. Families can bring little ones (ages 12 and under) for the Widdle Wobble. Participants can also enjoy memorable photo opportunities with the 20-foot tall turkey in front of the City Hall finish line. Proceeds benefit charity the Midnight Mission. See website for full race schedule and register prices. 200 N. Spring St., downtown, 310.821.7898. turkeytrot.la
Food + Drink
Hanukkah Feast To-Go from Sant’olinaÂ
Nov. 28-Dec. 6. Bring home a delicious feast for the family during Hanukkah from rooftop Mediterranean restaurant Sant’olina. Available for pick-up onsite, the meal features sides such as za’atar laffa bread with hummus, baba ganoush and beet muhammara; potato latkes; matzoh ball soup; bitter green salad; and noodle kugel. For the entree, guests can choose between roast brisket or salmon, while dessert includes chocolate babka and assorted cookies. Preorder 24 hours in advance online; Pick-up daily from 2-6 p.m. at valet or complimentary self-park. $240 (feeds four). Beverly Hilton, 9876 Wilshire Blvd., Beverly Hills, 310.285.1260. santolinabh.com
Hanukkah Menu from Wise Sons Culver City
Nov. 28-Dec. 6. Save yourself the trouble of cooking this Hanukkah with classic and modern deli dishes, as well as a Hanukkah catering menu ready to serve the entire family, from the Bay Area-based Jewish deli Wise Sons in Culver City. The holiday catering menu—available for delivery or pick-up—features elevated takes on classics including braided challah; chicken broth and matzo balls; potato latkes with additional latke bar sides; babka loaf (cinnamon or chocolate); and more. Orders must be placed by 9 a.m. two days prior to delivery. 9552 Washington Blvd., Culver City, 424.298.8205. wisesonsdeli.com | Preorder
Arts + Culture
The Nutcracker Suite
Begins Nov. 26. American Contemporary Ballet (ACB) opens its 10th season in L.A. with the world’s first immersive staging of The Nutcracker Suite, performing through Dec. 24. Inspired by E.T.A. Hoffmann’s mysterious, romantic telling of the tale, ACB’s unusual take on the ballet will take place in the company’s new Hollywood performance space. Audiences will also be surrounded by Tchaikovsky’s majestic score, performed live by some of the city’s finest classical musicians. See website for showtimes. $25-$140. 926 N. Sycamore Ave., 6th Floor, L.A., 213.304.3408. acbdances.com
Love Actually Live at The Wallis
Begins Nov. 27. Mark your calendar for the return of the multimedia concert celebration of the beloved holiday film with performances from this Saturday through Dec. 31 at the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts. Watch iconic scenes from Love Actually displayed on screens while an all-star cast of singers and live orchestra perform on stage as they reimagine the film’s hit soundtrack. See website for showtimes. $35-$105 for Nov. 27, 28 and 30; $39-$125 for Dec. 1-31 (subject to change). 9390 N. Santa Monica Blvd., Beverly Hills, 310.746.4000. thewallis.org
LA Opera Presents Rossini’s Cinderella (La Cenerentola)
Through Dec. 12. Just in time for the holidays, LA Opera presents Gioachino Rossini’s fairytale romance Cinderella (La Cenerentola) at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion. This delightfully entertaining spin on the classic rags-to-riches tale finds the spunky heroine seizing the opportunity to nab the most eligible bachelor in the land and outwit her social-climbing family in the process. Note: Vaccination is required for entrance. See website for showtimes. $15+. 135 N. Grand Ave., L.A., 213.972.8001. laopera.org
Photo credits: Turkey Trot courtesy Spin PR. Wise Sons Culver City courtesy Wagstaff Media & Marketing. “The Nutcracker Suite” by Victor Demarchelier. “Love Actually Live” by Kevin Parry. All other images are courtesy of the businesses and venues.
